News Releases

Women’s Equality

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

06 December 2016

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A candlelight memorial to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was held today in Fredericton in memory of the 14 women killed at the École Polytechnique in Montreal 27 years ago.

“Today we gather to remember 14 women our country lost in a horrific event," said Premier Brian Gallant.

Today’s vigil falls within the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. The campaign began on Nov. 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. The 16-day period is a time to initiate action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

Candles were lit in memory of the women who lost their lives while studying at the engineering institution. Following a moment of silence, Mélanie Dupuis, a Grade 11 student at École Sainte-Anne, performed the Silent Witness song I’ll Stand in the Rain.

“We also gather to recommit to each other that we will work together to end gender-based violence in our province,” said Gallant.

The memorial was attended by several members of the legislative assembly, civil servants, and representatives of community organizations that provide services to victims of violence.